'Tasmanian Greg Prescott was too good again in the Melges 32 class'
Andrea Francolini

Sydney Harbour Regatta 2014 dated have been announced by Middle Harbour Yacht Club Commodore, John McCuaig, today. The popular sailing event will be held on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March in 2014.

This will mark the ninth edition of the event, held in March annually, which attracted a massive 220 entries this year, well up on the previous year. It was the only Australian keelboat regatta to see an increase in numbers during the past year.

In announcing the dates, Commodore McCuaig also took the opportunity to announce the date for the Club’s 2014 Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC). The ‘must do’ event, which opens the Sydney offshore summer season every year, and to be held on 30 November and 1 December.

'Both are terrific events for different reasons,' Commodore McCuaig commented. 'The SSORC, as it’s known, gives the grand prix yachts and their crews a first opportunity to race against their major opposition in the lead-up to all the upcoming major yachting events,' such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart,' he said.

'The Sydney Harbour Regatta is becoming increasingly popular to many, because it’s the antitheses to the SSORC, in that it ends the Sydney summer season each year. The weather is usually balmy - and everyone’s in the mood to race and then celebrate back at the Club with a few drinks, a barbecue and good music – it ends the season on a high note.'

A melee in the Cavalier 28 Championship - Andrea Francolini

Leading water sports and technical apparel supplier Helly Hansen and Sydney City Marine have re-committed their support for 2014, so those participating can expect quality prizes, along with a Helly Hansen fashion parade, which will showcase all the latest in sailing clothing.

Commodore McCuaig says the event will also provide entertainment to keep the sailors and their families and friends hopping on the beach in front of the Club again too – a feature that no other major yacht Club on Sydney Harbour can offer.

On the water, at least 10 course areas will be delivered for the myriad classes and divisions open to entrants, courtesy of the hard work by the Club, Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson and the on-water race management team.

John Walker - still skippering strong at 90 on his yacht Impeccable - Andrea Francolini

The Sydney Harbour Regatta is NSW’s largest regatta and uses the entirety of Sydney Harbour along with offshore courses, and is open to yachts and keel boats of all designs and sizes.

Middle Harbour Yacht Club officials are thankful for the assistance of the CYCA, MYC, NCYC, RANSA, RPAYC, RPEYC, RSYS, SASC, and SFS in holding this mammoth event each year.